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Nebo School District held the Captain’s Academy for all Nebo Junior High and High School sports captains participating in winter sports. This event, held three times a year, helps the student athletes focus on leadership and sportsmanship. The sports represented in the winter academy include boys’ and girls’ basketball, wrestling, drill, boys’ and girls’ swimming, band, and debate.

Chris Loveless, Assistant Principal at Payson High School and former coach, presented to the students on sportsmanship. He said this event has a tremendous impact on the students who participate.

“I think this is a great opportunity for students,” Loveless said. “They are able to learn some very important skills, interact with other students, and then they can return to their schools and influence their other teammates based on what they learn here.”

Dustin Smith, founder and president of the organization “Especially for Athletes” spoke to the students about leadership. He emphasized that leadership is thinking outward and being humble.

“It’s important to not get caught up in the ‘disease of me,’” Smith said. “Just because you’re a leader, it doesn’t meant that you deserve more recognition or praise or that you should be appreciated more than your counterparts. True leadership respects others.”

Troy Bohling, Coordinator of School Services, said that this event promotes camaraderie and good sportsmanship between the schools.

“What I love the most is to see the interaction between the tables,” Bohling said. “These students compete against each other all the time, but they like each other and it’s really fun to see them work together.”